Walla Walla Valley Daily Photo

Final Autumn 4

2011-10-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of my favourites from this season so far. I don't know what kind of tree this is; it's in our neighbour's house and is actually the same tree I posted a photo of earlier this week - the gorgeous orange/yellow tree. Anyone recognize this fruit? It looks like an upside-down apple to me, but I know it's not an apple tree.

Final Autumn 3

2011-10-26T07:55:00.000-07:00

This is the view from our front porch this week. I love the various colours. Happy Autumn, indeed!

Final Autumn 2

2011-10-25T19:49:00.000-07:00

These leaves are on a sumach tree in our front yard. I love the bright red and I think the dark center of the leaves is gorgeous. It makes for a stunning tree this time of year.

Final Autumn 1

2011-10-24T19:39:00.000-07:00

We'll spend my last week in the Walla Walla Valley enjoying the valley's autumn beauty. This is a tree in front of our house. I love the contrast between the tree and the sky.

Sunrise

2011-10-23T07:38:00.000-07:00

This is Chan Shun Pavilion, the engineering building on the campus of Walla Walla U. Friday's sunrise struck the glass building just right and I couldn't resist a quick capture of the vibrant glow. You can see that all the windows on this side of the building are covered with condensation; it got quite chilly Thursday night!

Scarf Day

2011-10-22T07:34:00.000-07:00

I took this image earlier this week when the morning showed us the first fog of the season. It's a little early for fog like this, but we had a very mild summer so I'm wondering if winter will hit early this year. This is 8th Street in College Place. Notice the changing tree colours? I'm going to try to get more pictures of this stunning transformation (my favourite time of year!) this weekend.

Skywatch Friday

2011-10-21T07:31:00.000-07:00

This is the sky that greeted me as I left home for work this morning. And with this calm and lovely view, I must share some sad news. I have only one week left for posting on this blog. On Oct. 31 I will be leaving the Walla Walla Valley to start a new job and the next chapter of my life in Vancouver, Wash. I will be serving as Director of Communications for a non-profit organization there that works with troubled and at-risk youth, and while I'm sad to leave the WWV, I am very excited for this next new life adventure. I may start a photo blog in my new home, and if I do I'll be sure to post a link here for you faithful friends whom I have enjoyed hearing from every once in a while. I will try to post a picture every day between now and when I leave. Happy Friday, everyone! And may you be richly blessed in all you endeavor today. View more Skywatch Friday posts at the Skywatch Friday website.

Old Transportation

2011-10-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

A non-edited photo by my mother, from Klickers. They had, in addition to pumpkins, a tall haystack with a slide on the other side, old trucks to climb in, an antiques shop, and a produce shop, complete with homemade ice cream.

From the Good Ol' Days

2011-10-16T07:43:00.000-07:00

Another photo from Klickers that my mom took and I edited.

Fall Harvest

2011-10-15T17:41:00.000-07:00

This afternoon we went with my parents, who were visiting from out of town, and some local friends to Klickers. I've mentioned Klickers before; it's one of my favourite places to visit in the fall, especially now that Little Miss is old enough to enjoy it. This is a picture my mom took and I edited.

What a View!

2011-10-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, Husband, Little Miss, and I took a little drive in the country. I was driving and my goal was to take all the OTHER turns - the ones I never take when we're back there. I wanted to go somewhere we hadn't gone before, and I succeeded! We ended up on a gravel road that wound past beautiful houses surrounded by trees, and plenty of fields. At one point, the view forced me to stop my car and take a picture. What a stunning view of the valley, don't you think? And on a very typical autumn day, too.

Fall is Here!

2011-10-13T07:42:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to report that Fall is definitely here in the Walla Walla Valley. This picture from my cell phone doesn't do this gorgeous tree justice; I will try to get a better picture later this week. I'm wearing a scarf and a jacket today and am loving the chilly fall weather. Perfect for tea, blankets, scarves, and my daughter's adorable rain boots. Which reminds me - I haven't posted a picture of my Little Miss here in a while, have I? I should do that soon. So is fall in your area yet? What does fall look like where you live? (Or for those of you in the southern hemisphere - what does spring look like where you are?) Happy October!

Baker Boyer Bank

2011-09-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

Late summer afternoons in downtown Walla Walla are wonderful. The kids are back in school so they aren't hanging around yelling and running you over with skateboards, but it's still warm enough to enjoy an iced coffee as you wander down the sidewalk and window shop. I love this valley! Baker Boyer Bank has been around since 1869, and its building is still one of the most beautiful in town.

A Lot Going On

2011-09-27T07:19:00.000-07:00

I know I tend to take a lot of breaks from posting these days, but I've been quite busy lately. Not least on my list of worries and stresses: my father-in-law was in a farming accident on the other side of the Blue Mountains in La Grande, Ore.

This is where we spent our night last Wednesday: Providence St. Mary Medical Center Emergency, Trauma One. Here the ultrasound technician is attempting to find a large enough vein to put an IV in his arm so he can be transported via Life Flight to Portland, Ore., for surgery. My father-in-law is half-asleep on the bed, lying flat, covered by heated blankets and an air pumped plastic wrapping filled with heated air. It was quiet, so we just watched the medical professionals do their work.

Though my father-in-law is still in a major hospital in Portland, Ore., he is doing a bit better and is no longer in the ICU (intensive care unit). We spent the weekend there with family.

Kudos to the staff at Providence St. Mary Medical Center; they never made us feel as though we were in the way as we watched them work, and did what they could to make my father-in-law comfortable. They also worked quickly and got Life Flight on their way as soon as they could. This hospital is where I gave birth to my daughter, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs medical care in the WW Valley.

Cougar Sighting

2011-09-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Wes Marcum, a local photographer, got the shot of a lifetime when he saw these two cougars in a field three miles east of Walla Walla earlier this week. This photo is circulating on Facebook without credit, so if you see it, make sure and post the photographer's name. Special thanks to Wes for allowing me to post some of his awesome shots.

Hazy Daze

2011-09-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

Smoky end-of-summer days make for fantastically stunning sunsets. I took this picture on 4th Street in College Place on Friday, Sept. 9. There are always fires in the foothills and fields this time of year, and while it makes for hazy horizons during the day and sometimes - at its worst - stinging eyes from the smoke in the air, it doesn't last long, and in the meantime you can enjoy gorgeous views like this.

Summer Ride

2011-09-13T07:03:00.000-07:00

These bicyclists had stopped by the "Welcome to Washington" sign on Highway 11 to take a photo of themselves. The one on the far right is trying to rig up the camera on his small portable tripod and set the timer so he can be in the photo, too. Just to the right of this image is Stateline Road - the state line between Oregon and Washington. I was waiting at a red light when I spotted this crew of bikers. I hope they're enjoying themselves, wherever they are now. Bicycling is a popular sport in the Walla Walla Valley; the valley itself is quite flat (riding from the west side of College Place to the east side of Walla Walla only takes you up 300 feet in elevation), and the scenery can be quite spectacular. I often see groups of bicyclists enjoying a ride in the countryside on the outskirts of town.

Good Evening, Night.

2011-09-02T07:20:00.000-07:00

Another sunset from this week. We've been having a lot of brush and field fires (that time of year I'm afraid) and the smoke makes the sunsets unbelievably colourful and intense.

Farewell to Monday

2011-09-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

This fabulous sunset took place Monday evening. The photo was taken near a Latter-day Saint church in Milton-Freewater.

Butterfly Sighting

2011-08-31T07:02:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend a fine gentleman I know by the name of Terry Koch snapped this photo of a gorgeous white butterfly perched on a dandelion flower in his yard. He was gracious enough to allow me to use the photo for this blog, as he resides in the Walla Walla Valley. Though he's not sure, he thinks this might either be a Western White Butterfly or a Spring White Butterfly. Any butterfly experts out there care to try their hand at identifying this beauty?

A Pop and a Crash

2011-08-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

So the other night I was sitting in my living room with the back door open to let in some fresh air, and I hear a strange popping noise. I listen, the dog perks up and stares at the door...but nothing else happens. So I go back to what I'm doing, only to be startled by more popping. Finally I get up and shut the door, unnerved at not knowing what the strange sound is. As soon as I sit back down on the couch I hear what sounds like oddly muffled thunder...just over my house. One glance out the back window reveals all: A large branch from the neighbour's tree had broken from the trunk and landed partially on our roof and partly in our yard. It's still partially attached to the trunk, I think. I'm still not sure what to do about this...

Eastside School

2011-08-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

There are really some fun treasures you find while driving around on back roads here in the Walla Walla Valley. I've driven past this little gem several times now as it is on the way back to my house after a drive in the countryside. I admire the bell tower every time we pass.

Summer Sky

2011-08-26T07:48:00.000-07:00

The sunsets in the Walla Walla Valley are not easily beat; this one changed so quickly I found myself snapping photos every few seconds trying to catch the beauty of it all. One redeeming factor of summer is that there are fantastic sunsets. Almost makes up for the typical 95+ degree heat (F). (Though I do have to say I've very much enjoyed this mild summer we've been having. I think we have only hit 95 twice, and we've stayed very close to 90 or under most of the summer so far. Very odd.)

Dreaming Moon

2011-08-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

This was taken from my front porch on a lovely evening not too long ago after my family had enjoyed dinner on the patio.

Raina

2011-08-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is my dog, Raina. She's four years old and although people continue to tell me that black labs mellow out around three years of age, she has yet to demonstrate any mellowing. She loves to run, wade in water, play fetch, and chase my 2-year-old around the dining room table (which she, by the way, absolutely loves). She also enjoys dinner leftovers (in her bowl, not from our hands at the table), chewing on rawhide, and playing with other dogs - regardless of size. Here she is taking a breather after a long walk along the Walla Walla River.

Symmetry

2011-08-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

A closer look at one of the plants in my front yard. I didn't plant any of them and I don't know what this is, but it sure has gorgeous huge green leaves.

Languages of Rainbows

2011-08-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

My first poetry/photography edit. These flowers grow on a small bush beside our driveway; my parents have matching ones overhanging their back fence, though the plant belongs to their neighbour. I love the stark contrast between the soft purple petals and the loud blood red near the center.

The Grain Train

2011-08-21T07:26:00.000-07:00

A little bit north on the track from yesterday and we find this abandoned train. I'm sure it moves from time to time as it's not yet covered with graffiti and wasp nests, but there was no engine in sight when I took this picture with my phone on a beautiful summer evening in Walla Walla.

Straight Ahead: Adventure

2011-08-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

An August evening drive through the countryside southeast of College Place will produce beautiful serene summer scenes such as this. We'll find the train tomorrow...

Summer Sprinkler

2011-08-19T07:23:00.000-07:00

I glanced out my bathroom window while doing the laundry the other day and saw the sun glinting through the droplets watering my neighbour's lawn. I love the summery glow and the deep green of the leaves (though admittedly I did edit this version of the photo).

Chloe's Birthday Butterfly

2011-08-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

I was sitting at the table waiting to take pictures of my best friend's little girl taking the first bite of her birthday cake at her second birthday party, when I looked down and saw this little guy. My friend's nephew had caught the butterfly and brought it inside, and it was, I'm guessing, recuperating. I set my camera to "macro" and snapped away. It made a fantastic model - it never moved while I took pictures.

More About Walla Walla

2011-07-25T15:46:00.000-07:00

I'm quite excited to share with you that the Home Loan Center in Walla Walla has added a page of my blog posts to their website. It allows people interested in moving into the Walla Walla Valley to have an insider's glimpse into the area through my photo blog. If you're interested in learning more about what this valley has to offer (and perhaps moving here to enjoy it every day?), take a look at the Home Loan Center's website.

Sky Over the Sweets

2011-07-21T07:07:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday evening I went to my first ever Walla Walla Sweets baseball game. The team came to town two years ago I believe, but I haven't gotten to a game until this week. It was fun - a small stadium means great seats just about anywhere you sit, and short lines at the concession stands. Strangely, the weather turned chilly on Tuesday and that afternoon we had a downpour that made us all wonder if we would even get to GO to the game. It didn't rain on us during the game, thankfully, but the clouds sure put on a show.

Athena Caledonia Games

2011-07-20T07:48:00.000-07:00

Another annual event (which is actually a TON of fun) is the Caledonia Games in Athena, a 20-minute drive from Walla Walla. This little town (population approx. 1,300) hosts thousands of people every year for an event that celebrates Scottish heritage, people, and culture. My husband's paternal grandmother had a Scottish name and is red-headed; we've traced his lineage back to a small castle on the coast of Scotland, too! Last time I went to the Caledonia Games in Athena we went to the sheepdog trials and then wandered around the displays and booths. This year we went to the tattoo - a "concert" of sorts of pipe and drum bands. As a percussionist I absolutely loved this event. I highly recommend stopping by this 2-day event that takes place on the second weekend of July every year. Next time I will go and hopefully purchase a bodhran, an instrument I've been longing to learn to play.

Sweet Onion Festival 2011

2011-07-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

On accident, Husband and I ended up at the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival on Sunday. It happens every year, and I've never been to one, but Husband has, and he says it's really nothing to write home about. It's basically just another excuse for people to come and sell things, and it's an easy way to get some WW sweets without having to drive out to the highway and find a roadside farm stand. At the festival you can get anything onion - raw in 20-pound bags, breaded and deep-fried (still better than deep-fried Kool-Aid, I say), caramelized and on top of hot dogs - you name it, you can probably get it at the Sweet Onion Festival.

Grow Your Own

2011-07-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

I am envious of anyone who has worked out space for a home garden. I have wanted one for years but haven't managed to convince my husband that we have a place for one - and we really don't, aside from building raised beds, which I'd like to do anyway. Maybe we'll build them this year and get our garden going in 2012...? The above photo was taken by a multi-talented family man who lives in College Place. I loved it so much I asked him if I could post it on my blog and he kindly obliged. Brenden Koch took this photo over the weekend and it features a bean vine taking full advantage of the twine placed there for its pleasure in his family garden. The garden is quite lovely, and I've enjoyed watching it grow via photos on Facebook this season. Everyone's gardens here in the valley are finally able to grow now that we're getting real summer weather, though it took a while getting here this year!

Patisserie...Again!

2011-06-27T07:10:00.000-07:00

A lunchtime treat on a summer afternoon: Chocolate gelato and a lemon tart from the Colville Street Patisserie in downtown Walla Walla. Can you tell I love this place?

Tollgate: E.J. Haney Viewpoint

2011-06-26T07:08:00.000-07:00

A 30-minute drive up the mountains from the WW Valley and you get to see this breathtaking view. This is actually where my husband proposed to me, all the way back in April 2004.

Popular Donuts

2011-06-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

Want a tasty morning treat at a good price in a convenient location? Popular Donuts is the way to go! (I recommend a maple bar...but I would probably say that about almost every shop that sells donuts. They're my favourite.) Just two blocks from downtown Walla Walla on Hwy 11, this is an easy, nearly necessary stop when in the Walla Walla Valley. Let me know you're in town and I'll even buy you a donut.

Skywatch Friday

2011-06-24T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sunset from my living room last week. See how others view the sky above them this week at the Skywatch Friday website!

Heartbreak

2011-06-03T07:31:00.000-07:00

Please excuse my hiatus as of late; this week has been a hard one for many people, including myself. Early Sunday morning I was awakened by a phone call telling me one of my best friends had lost her 18-month-old daughter, Ryann. It was sudden and very unexpected; she had been happy and healthy her entire life. Apparently she had a very rare disorder so uncommon it doesn't even have an official name, and no one knew she had it. Now, on top of grieving the loss of their first and only child, my friends are faced with extensive medical and funeral expenses. They had just relocated to Nebraska from the Walla Walla Valley, and aren't sure whether or not insurance on the new job had kicked in yet.

In addition to continual emotional support, some friends and I are attempting to help in the only other way we can: Fundraising for their expenses. If you can, please consider donating to this cause. All of the donations will go directly toward medical and funeral expenses for this beautiful 18-month-old girl who was taken from her parents way too soon. No parent should have to plan their child's funeral.

To the right of this post you will see a "Remembering Ryann" box. Click on "ChipIn" to contribute what you can in a secure way through PayPal. Thank you for your support...and thank you for remembering Ryann.

If you would like to read my version of the story of losing Ryann, visit my mom blog.

Spring Green

2011-05-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

The green of the hillside is stunningly green to me. And no, I didn't edit this photo or have the camera on colour enhancing settings. I think it's the effect of grey, overcast skies above the grass. This is a hill outside College Place in a quiet piece of country.

The Road

2011-05-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

It looks like this road leads right to the tree behind the hill in the countryside just west of College Place. The clouds look foreboding, don't they?

Skywatch Friday

2011-05-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

A sparrowhawk perches on a power line above an open field, watching for lunch on a sunny Sunday morning.

Goodbye Daytime

2011-05-26T07:26:00.000-07:00

Another view from my friends' house out in the country just past the state line in Oregon. They own 20 acres and grow alfalfa, corn, and other things, as well as sheep, goats, cows, cats, chickens and dogs.

Trampoline Time

2011-05-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a photo of Little Miss; I don't think I've shared one with you in a while. Just to see how big she's grown, here's a photo of her as a newborn, and one of her at 8 months. She is now just about 22 months and I treasure every minute I spend with this sweet girl. Here she is enjoying a trampoline in the backyard of some friends of ours. They live in the country just across the Washington border in Oregon and have a fantastic view of fields (mostly theirs because they own 20 acres), the hills, and both sunsets and sunrises. They own goats, cows, sheep, chickens, dogs and cats.

Summer Puffball

2011-05-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

This is commonly known as a weed, though its flower is quite attractive. It's a dandelion and blooms bright yellow in yards across America in the spring and summer. When the flower dies, it turns into this puffball of seeds, which scatter and create new little yellow flower plants in yards across America. This is my first attempt at a super macro shot.

Posted

2011-05-19T07:29:00.000-07:00

It may surprise you to know that this picture was not edited. I actually shot it just like this...unfortunately I cannot tell you how! Again, it is not my camera, it was a borrowed camera I was experimenting with, and I bumped some buttons and when I looked at the pictures on the computer (not in the bright sun on the small camera screen) I realized the colour was funny. I like it, but I wish I knew how I did it! On the other side of this tree is a small piece of grassy hillside (bordered by a creek) that someone could potentially walk on to get into our neighbour's backyard, but it is highly unlikely. I guess someone felt the need to demand solitude here. The sign is broken, but its message is still clear.

Beautiful Mistake

2011-05-18T07:26:00.000-07:00

I had intended to focus on the little green weed poking through the crack between the boards, but, this being a camera that isn't mine, and me being very much an amateur photographer, the camera focused on the boards instead. At first I was annoyed that it hadn't turned out, but the more I look at it, the more I like the focus on the weathered boards and rusty nails. This was taken in my front yard.

Nasturtium

2011-05-17T07:23:00.000-07:00

These little white flowers popped up in my garden this year and I had no idea what they were, as I didn't plant them, nor remember them being there last year. When seeing them in a vase on my dining table, someone asked if they were nasturtium. I shrugged, not knowing, but later looked it up. Sure enough; that's what they are. Gorgeous flowers, and they smell amazing, too. I wish I could post scents for all ya'll on here!

Lucky Catch

2011-05-16T07:19:00.000-07:00

In the same trees from yesterday, I managed to catch a few shots of this little guy, who actually stayed long enough for me to get some pictures. Anyone want to venture a guess as to what he is?

Nothin' But Blue Sky

2011-05-15T07:16:00.000-07:00

I really don't know why, but this picture makes me think of Australia. And I've never been there, so I have no idea how I would even know. At any rate, this was part of my view during lunch on Friday. I ate on my front patio in the gorgeous 70-degree weather.

Just to Make You Hungry

2011-05-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

I recently attended a bridal shower and this amazing strawberry trifle was made fresh at the party. It didn't last long, either; it was so delicious it disappeared in a matter of minutes. Ingredients include: Fresh strawberries, strawberry yogurt, pound cake, whipped topping, almonds, frozen strawberries, and lemon. Beautiful AND delicious. Even in the small country towns we can make fabulous dishes like this!

The Administration Building

2011-05-13T07:27:00.000-07:00

We had one absolutely gorgeous morning last week and I just had to go for a walk and enjoy it. This is a photo I took on that walk; it features the administration building at Walla Walla U.

Fields of Gold

2011-05-11T07:16:00.000-07:00

I wish I could claim this picture as my own, but a friend of mine, Marci, went walking with her family on a Saturday afternoon and took this fantastic photo. This is a canola field outside of Milton-Freewater. Canola is turned into oil, which is actually healthier for you than vegetable oil, though not as good as olive oil.

The Red Shoe

2011-05-10T07:08:00.000-07:00

This shoe belongs to the 18-month-old daughter of a friend of mine. I thought it looked neat sitting the grass without its match, silent in the evening spring light.

Rainy Evening

2011-05-09T07:18:00.000-07:00

If you look closely you can see the rain dripping steadily from the roof of my porch. We got a pretty good downpour Saturday evening, and yes, I opened the door to enjoy the sound and smell.

Back in Time

2011-05-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

It's Mothers Day here in the United States, so today I will share with you the moment I first saw my mother, and she first saw me, all the way back in 1983. Happy Mothers Day, Mom! I love you!

Mmmm...

2011-05-03T07:22:00.000-07:00

This is handmade pasta with asparagus and spinach and Parmesan cheese. I got it for dinner at The Green Spoon, a new restaurant in downtown Walla Walla. It was delicious...and now I'm hungry.

Doing the City's Work

2011-05-02T07:16:00.000-07:00

This is my neighbour. We share a gravel/dirt driveway, and it very frequently develops large potholes that make driving down the driveway a real pain. The driveway is actually no one's property; it is owned by the city due to the creek that runs just on the other side of the driveway there. At the other end of the driveway (to the left of the photo) there is a walkway across a water gate that the city needs daily access to. So the city has a lien on the driveway, meaning it's really public space, in spite of the fact that it's our driveway. Unfortunately the city's claim to our driveway only stretches so far as to allow them to drive up and down it whenever they wish, and not as far as repairing the damage done. So our neighbour, who for some reason owns a small piece of machinery as you see here, took it upon himself to repair the holes himself last weekend. The driveway is much better now...but a few more rains and a few more packing down of the hole fillers by our heavy cars will mean another leveling out is due.

Discovering Spring

2011-05-01T07:14:00.000-07:00

In honor of May Day I share with you a shot of my Little Miss checking out the daffodils outside our house. She absolutely loves flowers, and has to point them out whenever she sees any. (It comes out more like, "wa-wee" but we know it's "flowers.") If she can, she'll walk over and "smell" them, which is actually her putting her nose down by the petals and blowing out of her nose instead of sniffing, but she will figure it out eventually. the hat she's wearing was an Easter gift from her auntie.

An Old Bank

2011-04-30T07:41:00.000-07:00

This is an old bank building downtown on Fourth Street in Walla Walla. I don't know what fills the upper storeys, but the lower level is occupied by John L. Scott Real Estate.

No Appetite Now

2011-04-29T07:39:00.000-07:00

This really grosses me out. I mean, besides the fact that I'm a vegetarian, I just don't understand why bacon and chocolate together is a good idea. I spotted this at Bright's Candies on Main Street in Walla Walla. And no, I didn't buy it.

Espresso, Please!

2011-04-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

Your typical after-lunch scene at one of several high-class downtown restaurants. This was taken after an out-of-the-ordinary splurge on an expensive lunch with friends at Brasserie 4 on Main Street, just a week or so ago.

Déjeuner Avec Ciel

2011-04-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

Last week my friend Ciel was in town, visiting from France, where she maintains Versailles Daily Photo, always posting fabulous photos and fascinating history tidbits. Every time she visits her friends here she makes time to see me; last time we grabbed coffee at Starbucks and this time I introduced her to the Patisserie, where she got breakfast (blackberry scone and OJ) and I enjoyed a mid-morning snack (mocha and a chocolate chip cookie). It was so good to see her; I love making new friends and learning more about different cultures, and Ciel is all of that wrapped up in one great conversationalist. If any of you come to the Walla Walla Valley, please let me know; I'd love to meet you, too!

The Cycle

2011-04-25T07:53:00.000-07:00

I love how spring has a predictable cycle. In my part of the world, there is an order to how the pieces of spring fall into place, starting with the crocuses near the end of February or beginning of March. The daffodils are next, bobbing their white and yellow heads across town and soaking in the inevitable spring rains. Tulips follow, in bright yellows, purples, reds, oranges, pinks, whites, and everything in-between, accompanied by hyacinths - pink, white, purple, red and more. As the last of the daffodils shrivel and brown and dry, the dogwoods begin to blossom. And that is where we are today - I've noticed small pink blooms on the trees lining one particular section of College Avenue in College Place, and the infant dogwood pictured here is just a block or so from my office. I also noticed this morning that the lilac outside my office window has tiny dark purple balls ready to pop open any day - that happened over the weekend because last week that bush was still all green! The lilacs will last only about two weeks, the dogwoods about the same, and then come June we'll be blessed with roses that greet us through the summer.

The Photographer

2011-04-24T07:37:00.000-07:00

This is Ruth. She's an amateur photographer taking pictures for the sheer thrill of capturing life in images, and a student attending a local university with the goal of becoming a special education teacher. Though she'll miss many people in the valley, Ruth says she's excited at the prospect of a move this summer; she's getting married in July and will follow her husband to California as he enters medical school.

#2 in my "Real People" series.

Perspective

2011-04-23T07:33:00.000-07:00

A different perspective of yesterday's vista; this is, perhaps, what a small animal would see while perusing the field for dinner. A coyote, perhaps? Or a fox?

Scenic Spring

2011-04-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

While out for a drive on the outskirts of the city, we came across a curve in the gravel road that looked out over this breathtaking scene. The deep green of the infant fields, the dusty blue of the newly uncovered mountains, and the grey-white of the unpredictable sky...all of this epitomizes the Walla Walla Valley in April. Welcome to my world.

Lonely, Yet Brave

2011-04-21T07:29:00.000-07:00

The only object in the entire field braving the temperamental spring weather was this windmill, which was a fun object to photograph with such a tumultuous, threatening backdrop. This was taken in a field outside of Milton-Freewater.

Layers

2011-04-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

I love how the water, island, hills, sky and clouds all seem to come together to create a layered effect. The rivers and creeks in our valley are swelling with the snow melting in the mountains; there have been two minor flood watch warnings already this season, and we didn't get any last year. While that might seem like a bad thing I really am glad to hear it; this means we won't have a drought this summer (or if we do it won't be terrible). This, I believe, is the Walla Walla River.

Curves

2011-04-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

I love how the curve of the tracks kind of follows the flow of the hills here. This is just outside of Milton-Freewater on a grey, dreary, rainy Saturday in April.

Another Perspective

2011-04-18T07:48:00.000-07:00

I posted the original of this picture earlier this spring; I promise this is my last edited photo for a while, but I'm really trying to learn basic photo editing and have been playing around with different effects. Thanks for putting up with me!

Abandoned?

2011-04-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

An edited photo of the swingset in a friend's yard. A toddler uses it occasionally, but not without Mommy or Daddy right there with her. The set is still a bit large for a toddler...

Hot Chicks

2011-04-15T07:29:00.000-07:00

These particular baby chickens were being taken care of by my mother-in-law when her friends went on a weekend trip. Some friends of mine who live in the heart of Walla Walla actually raise chickens and though I haven't gotten out there to see them yet this year, they do have some new chicks currently. They raise chickens, selling the eggs, eating the meat, and making their own egg products such as mayonnaise. Incidentally, those eggs made the absolute BEST deviled eggs I've ever tasted.

A Sweet Ride

2011-04-14T07:25:00.000-07:00

This is a fairly common vehicle style in this valley. There are a lot of young Hispanic people in the valley who really enjoy this kind of "ride" and they take great pride in them. They are often cleaned from the inside out, waxed and kept in perfect working order...which of course includes amplified bass for the stereo! I bet the person who owns this truck is the envy of many friends. I'd love to go to the drive-in theatre in this rig!

Cash & Gas

2011-04-13T07:37:00.000-07:00

I have no idea where these signs originally came from, but they were part of the decor of our yard when we moved into the house in which we currently live. I actually really like them, but I think they'll stay when we move (if that ever happens). I edited the photo to look a little more antique - just like the signs.

Signs of Spring 5

2011-04-12T07:14:00.000-07:00

You can tell winter is losing its grip on the valley when the mountains stop looking whitewashed and start looking...well, more blue! (They are the Blue Mountains, after all!) This photo covers two signs of spring, actually - the mountains without snow and the clear blue sky with fluffy white clouds (you will also note that where I am in the car taking this picture there isn't sunshine). Unpredictable weather that requires one to dress in layers is another sure sign of spring.

Schwan's

2011-04-11T21:07:00.000-07:00

I see these trucks all over the valley. They're food on wheels, basically, but not the pre-cooked, ready-to-chow-down-on dishes. Instead, they sell frozen vegetables, ice cream, meat entrees, pies, cookie dough, and more - everything frozen so you can grab it and have quick meals (or desserts or side dishes) when you need them. I ordered a few things from them a couple of times and by far my favourite was the frozen grasshopper ice cream pie. (Mint chocolate is always a winner.) You place your order and they deliver it a couple of days later, when you can order more if you'd like. You can also set up regular deliveries of items you use all the time and they'll deliver it on a schedule to either your house or your office. Does your area have anything like this?

New In Town

2011-04-08T14:23:00.000-07:00

No, he's not mine, but I will claim him as one of the cutest baby boys I've ever seen. This is Josiah, and at the time this picture was taken he was barely 24 hours old. His mommy is one of my best friends, and I was so excited to be able to meet him that I had to share my joy with you. Mommy is fine, baby is healthy (8 lbs, 1 oz!) and they get to go home tomorrow. Can you look at this picture and not feel perfect peace? I can't. Welcome to the world, Josiah...welcome to the Walla Walla Valley. Welcome home.

Silhouette in Pastels

2011-04-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

A heavenly painting in the western sky just a few days ago. You saw another silhouette backdropped by this sky about a week and a half ago.

Backyard Flower

2011-04-03T06:41:00.000-07:00

A small tree bearing these white blooms has taken up residence along the fence in our backyard. I'm not sure where it came from because no other tree like it is nearby; I suppose that's the beauty of nature; wind, the unseen force, carries whatever it likes and drops them wherever it prefers. No telling where this came from, but I think in early spring it's lovely.

Desserts

2011-04-02T07:03:00.000-07:00

I edited this photo I took of my friend's daughter, waiting patiently in the Colville Street Patisserie for a bite of gelato (Italian ice cream). (She eventually got some; I shared my strawberry and Mom shared her vanilla.)

Theatre Turned Overpriced Store

2011-04-01T07:53:00.000-07:00

I posted a photo of this building facade about a year ago, and the only reason I'm featuring it again is because I think the colours look a lot better and more vivid in this shot. This used to be an old movie theatre, but is now Macy's, an overpriced clothing and home supplies store on Main Street in Walla Walla. Macy's is a chain store, but I believe it's only in the northwest United States. You can read more about it at my previous post (click the link above).

Eating the Easter Bunny

2011-03-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

I went into Bright's Candies this afternoon after lunch for a treat, and this is what they are making this week: Easter chocolates! Ducks, chicks, bunnies, eggs, and more, and their displays sport pastel spring colours and artificial grass-filled Easter baskets. What a fun job this must be to use molds to create just about anything in chocolate! (Though I'm certain one would not be interested in eating as much chocolate after working here all day...)

Skywatch Friday

2011-03-25T06:58:00.000-07:00

My neighbours have a weather vane on top of their shed that always catches my eye when the sky is lit up behind it. The geese silhouetted against this post-rain sunset were just too beautiful to pass up earlier this week.

If's Official

2011-03-24T07:45:00.000-07:00

Well March 21 was the first day of spring, so it's officially here. The plants seem to realize it, too; every morning I see more buds, more blooms and more green. The valley is returning to life! I found this little beauty on a walk in College Place.

Pour Ciel

2011-03-23T07:45:00.000-07:00

This post is special, just for my friend Cieldequimper over at Versailles Daily Photo. I told her a week or so ago that the daffodils should bloom in time for her arrival in the valley, and LOOK! Here they are, Ciel! Ready to welcome you home. Happy Spring, everyone (now that it officially IS spring...)

Taste of the Valley

2011-03-22T07:31:00.000-07:00

Clearly this is not the elite taste of the valley ($6.50 wine isn't going to be amazing), but here you have it. I believe that all (or at least most) of these bottles were made right here in the Walla Walla Valley. With nearly 150 wineries in Walla Walla and the surrounding area, there is plenty of wine to be had. I, unfortunately for any of you interested, am not a wine drinker, so I can't fill you in on anything about these fine-looking decanters (which, for all I know, could be mostly cooking sherry and the like). I love how elegant they look, and how beautiful the labels can be.

Signs of Spring 4

2011-03-21T07:41:00.000-07:00

Tree flowers! I love this tree, which I pass on my way to most meetings outside my office. In just a few weeks (perhaps even a few days), this tree will be covered in delicate white flowers such as these early arrivals. I just love the lacy look of them and the fragile beauty of the petals on each bloom. I'm not sure what kind of tree this is, but it is probably related to the dogwood.

A Drive in the Rain

2011-03-20T07:53:00.000-07:00

It's easy to do this time of year...go for a drive in the rain. If you're lucky, it will clear before you get back inside and you'll get a glimpse of a rainbow against the darkened sky. This shot was taken on a back-road in Milton-Freewater, amongst the orchards and farmhouses. I love driving in the countryside in each of the seasons for special reasons:

Spring: Everything is turning green and everything looks new.
Summer: It's much cooler among the fields, orchards and plants than it is in the city surrounded by cement, brick and asphalt!
Fall: The apples, pears, cherries, and plums are ripe and colourful on the trees.
Winter: The stark contrast of the dark, naked fingers of trees and vines against the white snow and grey skies is fun to photograph.

Multiplication

2011-03-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

Okay, are you ready for some wonderful springtime shots from around the WW Valley? Some beautiful new companions have joined what was my single white crocus only a week and a half ago. Aren't they lovely? I love being greeted by this brilliant flash of colour every evening when I pull into my driveway after work. I'm looking forward to taking pictures of the dogwoods again this spring! Their flowers are the prettiest of the season, I think. Also, behind these small blooms you can see the tops of the tulips and hyacinths pushing their way through the warming soil. They were absolutely gorgeous last year; I can't wait to see them again soon! Three cheers for spring!

Skywatch Friday

2011-03-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

I drive past this field and farmhouse every day on my way to and from work. The sky was irresistible on this particular evening, and I love the silhouette of the tree against the soft colours in the clouds.

Davis Orchards

2011-03-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

If you drive the back-roads of Milton-Freewater you'll pass more orchards than you can count, and it's impossible to figure out which ones belong to which orchard-owner. Davis Orchards is actually owned by the grandparents of a guy I went to elementary school with back in the day, and he actually married the love of his life here, in a clearing amidst the apple trees on a beautiful late summer evening. I pass this lovely entrance to their farm only occasionally, but I always remember that beautiful wedding when I do.

Signs of Spring 3

2011-03-16T07:31:00.000-07:00

I love that everywhere I look there are signs pointing to the change in seasons. Although I still prefer the change from summer to fall, this is an exciting beautification of the earth, as well. I'm looking forward to the large lilac bush outside my office window adding colour to my daytime view again. It's budding green, so it's on its way! New life is emerging on this young tree, too.

Rapidfyre

2011-03-15T07:10:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy of Rapidfyre, Inc.

If you're looking for web design in Walla Walla, this is the man you need to talk to.

This is Charles. He is President and CEO of Rapidfyre, Inc., a top-notch web design company in the great city of Walla Walla. If you want quality work done on a reliable schedule, and are interested in working with someone who has integrity, experience and ability, talk to Charles. If you need someone you can depend on to get the job done while exceeding expectations, Charles is your man. Need I go on? Rapidfyre serves a variety of clients from around the United States, all while focusing on quality photography. I know for a fact they love people over there, so stop by and see if Rapidfyre can fill your need. Check out their website by clicking the link above and tell them Becky sent you.

Note: I'd like to start a series of featuring real people from the valley, which will mean stretching myself beyond my comfort zone and forcing myself to talk to people I may not know. The talking isn't the problem; it's the asking for a photo that has me nervous. If you're from the area or know someone here, feel free to make suggestions of people I can feature!

Where's the Other Half?

2011-03-12T07:18:00.000-08:00

On this side of the building the windows are surprisingly intact, and the grey door you see on the right edge of the picture looks fairly new. Like I said in yesterday's post, someone frequents this place, but I never see them do it. While on a walk earlier this week I noticed the front half of a truck sitting outside this photogenic door. I wonder where the other half is, and why they are separated.

No Tresspassing

2011-03-11T07:13:00.000-08:00

I'm sure at some point in this building's history this pipe was used to load whatever was stored in this cement structure into trucks that would transport it to wherever it was sold or used. (You can see another image of this building in yesterday's post.) Perhaps it was grain, or maybe it was sand for de-icing roads in the winter. Whatever it was used for in the past is apparently either defunct or has moved to something more high-tech and convenient, because no one uses this building anymore. No one except perhaps gangs and maybe a few homeless people who use it for shelter. I never see people there, but the junk sitting on the ground outside the building changes and moves, so I know someone frequents this place...

Feeling Small

2011-03-10T07:10:00.000-08:00

This building is situated in the middle of a neighbourhood in "suburban" Milton-Freewater - if such a thing is possible. I don't know what it used to be, but these days it's simply an abandoned building. If the photo were edited just right I think it could resemble something along the lines of Chernobyl. "No Tresspassing" signs line its sides at eye-level, and any pane of glass that used to be intact in this building's few windows has long since been punched through with items surely tossed for that express purpose.

Signs of Spring 2

2011-03-09T07:24:00.000-08:00

Again, not a black and white photo, but simply taken when the sky was a tad grey. This silhouette of a tree branch in my front yard demonstrates, like yesterday's crocus, that spring is here. The branches of trees across the valley are budding and it excites me; I know that one morning I'll wake up and the dogwoods will be in full pink and white glory and these trees in my front yard will surprise me with bright yellow. I love spring in the Walla Walla Valley!